What is the NMRA?

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Last Updated: Thursday, 03 July 2014 08:46

The NMRA British Region was formed in 1945 and now has over 600 members, mostly in the UK but also in other parts of Europe. We provide a focus in the UK for modellers of North American prototypes in all scales.

Our parent association, based in the United States, the NMRA, was founded in the USA in 1935 and now has over 20,000 members world-wide. It promotes fellowship between modellers and co-operation between manufacturers, publishers and consumers.

Over the years it has continuously developed and monitored specifications for models (the NMRA standards), with the result that North American models from different manufacturers are completely interchangeable. You can find out more about the NMRA by visiting its website, http://www.nmra.org/ .

What does the NMRA have to offer?

We believe that friendship and fellowship are the key to enjoyment of the hobby - with members sharing information and skills, and generally providing assistance to one another. To further increase your enjoyment of the hobby we provide a comprehensive range of events and services.

• TWO ONE DAY MEETS held during the year give opportunities for discussion and to see (and run your own trains on) exhibition layouts. You may also participate in competitions, learn new techniques from clinics, buy and sell at trade/swap stalls and, most importantly, make new friends. An admission fee is payable.

• ANNUAL CONVENTION is a time to catch up with friends and acquaintances from across the UK to share experiences and enjoy the exhibition of models and layouts and to participate in clinics on popular model railroading topics such as weathering and backscene painting techniques. A separate Registration Fee is payable to attend.

• LOCAL GROUPS in most parts of the country also hold events. Some feature modular railroads - a convenient way to contribute to a large layout even if you have limited space. Contact the registrar to check if there is an active group near you.

• KNOWLEDGEABLE SPECIALIST TRADERS will provide all the experience and stock to help you purchase appropriate equipment and models in confidence.

• PRIVATE SALES at our meetings provide bargains which many people find to be an economical route into the hobby. A brisk trade in used equipment also allows you to acquire models at reasonable cost and to sell those which you no longer need.

• FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE is available to help inexperienced members avoid expensive mistakes and to provide guidance the prototype and mechanical, electrical or scenery skills and techniques.

• THE REGION MAGAZINE "Roundhouse" is published every two months, and features both modelling and prototype articles, plus news on forthcoming British Region events. A monthly colour magazine "NMRA Magazine" is also mailed from the USA to NMRA members world-wide. Both are available as part of additional subscriptions.

• MEMBERS' AREA OF REGION WEBSITE where a repository including past editions of "Roundhouse" can be viewed along with material from clinics held at recent Conventions and Region Meets, photo albums and much to stimulate the modeller's imagination.

Above all, we are a friendly, relaxed organisation where all newcomers can expect a warm welcome to the hobby of North American model railroading.